drill downextras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/talespinner 102612.p… · leaders in the...

INSIDE | Commentary 2 News 3 Community Briefs 17 What’s Happening 18 Sports 19-20 ONLINE | www.jbsa.af.mil

J O I N T B A S E S A N A N T O N I O - L A C K L A N D , T E X A S • V o l . 6 9 N o . 4 3 • O c t o b e r 2 6 , 2 0 1 2

A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE 502nd A IR BASE W ING

Drill Down

Beyond The UniformAF training instructor viesfor Ms. Veteran America titlePG 10

METC To The Rescue AF, Navy military instructorswin 6th annual EMT Rodeo PG 3

No PressureAirman welcomes challenge of Armed Forces basketballPG 19

METC To Thhh RRR

Halloween Trick or Treat times at JBSA-Lacklandare 6-8:30 p.m., Oct. 31

ll kTrick or Treating

Photo by Robbin Cresswell Technical training students from the 344th Training Squadron, led by Drill Team Commander Airman 1st Class Kenneth Caberto, center, perform a freestyle exhibition drill routine during the 37th Training Group Drill Down Competition Oct. 13. The quarterly event is a time-honored tradition of military drill, which exhibits the professionalism and precision of Airmen attending technical training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Teams from the 324th TRS, 342nd TRS, 343rd TRS and 344th TRS competed in open ranks inspection, regulations drill and free-style exhibition drill. The 343rd TRS won the overall competition.

TALESPINNER October 26, 2012commentary

This newspaper is published by Prime Time Military Newspapers, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Lackland AFB, Texas. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Talespinner are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Prime Time Military Newspapers, of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Offi ce of the 502nd Air Base Wing. All photos, unless otherwise indicated, are U.S. Air Force photos.

Deadline for submissionsis noon Thursday the week prior

to publication.

Offi ce1701 Kenly Ave. Suite 102Lackland AFB, Texas78236-5103(210) 671-4111;(fax) 671-2022Email: [email protected]’s Action Line:[email protected] Talk: 671-6397 (NEWS)

For advertising information:Prime Time Military NewspapersAve E at Third StreetSan Antonio, Texas 78205(210) 250-2024

Joint Base San AntonioLackland

Editorial Staff

BRIG. GEN. THERESA C. CARTER,JBSA/502ND AIR BASE WING,

COMMANDER

TODD G. WHITE,JBSA/502ND AIR BASE WING

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

OSCAR BALLADARES,JBSA-LACKLAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEF

JOE BELA,INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF

210-671-4111

MANAGING EDITOR, VACANT

MIKE JOSEPH, SENIOR WRITER

210-671-4357

JOSE T. GARZA, III, SPORTS/STAFF WRITER,210-671-0478

DOROTHY LONAS, DESIGN/LAYOUT

210-671-5049

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO COMMANDER’S ACTION LINEThe Action Line is your

avenue for addressing issues you’ve been unable to re-solve through your chain of command or an appropriate agency.

It also allows you to give feedback and recognize out-standing people and units.

If you leave your name and telephone number or email address, you will receive a reply.

Your contact information allows us to obtain more in-formation, if needed, to help resolve your issue.

To submit an Action Line comment, email the JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs Of-fi ce at [email protected].

For issues related to the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Sur-gical Center, call the WHASC Action Line at 210-292-4567,

or email your request to [email protected].

For issues related to basic training or technical train-ing, email the 37th Training Wing at [email protected].

Items of interest may be printed in the Lackland Talespinner.

Anonymous inquiries will not be published.

Welcome to the most respected AF in the worldBy Lt. Col. Jerry GonzalezCommander, 802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Congratulations and welcome to the most powerful, innovative, highly trained, adaptive and respected Air

Force in the world.Wear your uniform proudly because

many before you have died defending it and help me hold others accountable for not wearing it correctly. Although you’ve earned your initial membership into this or-ganization through the completion of basic military training, there are dues you must pay every day to remain in this world-class organization.

These dues are our Air Force Core Val-ues. Trust me, your fellow Airmen will hold you to it.

During the next few months, each of you will learn your respective Air Force special-ties and then move on to your new assign-ments. Some of you will travel overseas and some of you will remain in the states, but regardless of your assignment, don’t forget to pack and bring your positive atti-tude with you. A former group commander of mine once told me, “Positive attitudes are contagious.” How correct she was.

Every assignment is what you make it. Make an investment in your new unit by getting involved. Likewise, invest in your fellow Airmen by encouraging their per-sonal and professional development. Simply put, be there for them.

We all need someone to talk to, a shoul-der to cry on, friend to call and a voice of encouragement. We’re all human. In the Air Force, we refer to this as being a good wingman. This is an investment that will

never depreciate in value, and over the course of time, will be priceless.

In the years to come, the Air Force is going to ask a lot of you and your families – long hours at the offi ce and a deployment here and there. See deployments as a great opportunity to answer our nation’s call, not as a burden. Airmen are smart; they can see right through you. If your number is up to deploy, arm-up, kiss your family goodbye and serve your country. If this is something you have issues with, consider another profession. There are many others out there, but only one U.S. Air Force.

As you embark on this journey, don’t forget to strike a balance between work, family and time for yourself, because at the end of your Air Force journey, success will not be measured by the status and rank you’ve achieved, but by the people you’ve helped along the way, the lives you’ve changed and the legacy you’ve left behind. Nothing is more important than taking care of your people, yourself and your family. If you do this, everything else will fall into place.

The organization and squadrons you will be assigned to will have talented people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It is from this diversity that we draw our greatest strength as an organization and as a nation.

Some of your fellow Airmen will report to work in Airman Battle Uniforms or blues, others in suits and dresses, but all share a common objective: to serve our Air Force and nation. I’ve had people thank me for my service on and off the installation, but from time to time, take a moment to thank our civilians as well. Civil service-

Airmen bring an unmatched level of ex-perience and talent to our Air Force. We are a better organization because of their service and contribu-tions.

In 20 years or so, some of you will become senior leaders in the

Air Force, perhaps the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force or the next Chief of Staff. When, and if, that happens, don’t forget where you came from, the people who got you there and your moral and professional obligation to groom the next generation of leaders.

Some of the best senior leaders I’ve worked for shared some common charac-teristics. They always listened fi rst, held me accountable for my actions, made me think on my own, mentored me along the way and told me that we can never thank oth-ers too much. I trust that the next genera-tion of leaders after you will associate these characteristics with you long after you’re gone.

Again, congratulations and welcome to the U.S. Air Force. Don’t forget the oath you took, the sacrifi ces others before you have made, and the responsibilities you have as Airmen. I’m proud to have you on my team.

Lt. Col. Jerry Gonzalez

October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 3newsFREE TOPS IN BLUE TICKETS

Tickets are available to a free Tops in Blue show Nov. 4, 4 p.m., at Laurie Auditorium on the campus of Trinity University. Seating is on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, but patrons must have a ticket to get in.

Tickets are available at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Information, Tickets and Travel Offi ce, Bldg. 5506; the Randolph Community Services Mall, Bldg. 895; or the Fort Sam Houston Community Center.

FEDERAL BENEFITS OPEN SEASON

Federal benefi ts open season for Air Force civilian employees is Nov. 12 through Dec. 10. The Lackland Federal Employees Health Benefi ts Fair is Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mitchell Hall. Employees will have an opportunity, to meet representatives from different health carriers.

For more information, contact Donna Leeth, 802nd Force Support Squadron, at 210-671-0005.

CAM COMBAT BREAKFAST

The Alamo Chapter Air Force Associa-tion, Air Force Recruiting Service andthe San Antonio Chamber of Commerce will host the Celebrate America’s Military Combat Breakfast Nov. 7, 7 a.m., at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s Kendrick Enlisted Club.

Maj. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander, 24th Air Force at JBSA-Lackland, will be the guest speaker for the breakfast.

Dress is Army Combat Uniform or Air-man Battle Uniform for service members, and business attire for civilians.

For more information, contact Staff Sgt. April Sablo at 210-565-0567.

FREE VETERANS DAY CONCERT

The United States Air Force Band of the West and the San Antonio Symphony will join forces again for their annual free Veterans Day concert Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at the Majestic Theater in downtown San Antonio.

Tickets can be picked up at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Information, Tickets and Travel Offi ce, the Randolph ITT offi ce, the Fort Sam Houston Morale, Welfare and Recreation offi ce, the SA Symphony box offi ce, the Majestic Theater box offi ce or the Fiesta Commission store.

NEWS IN BRIEF

By Lisa BraunMedical Education & Training Campus Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Air Force and Navy instructors with the Medical Ed-ucation and Training Campus (METC) were overall winners in the 2012 Emer-gency Medical Technician (EMT) Rodeo held Sept. 22 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

Five EMT instructors for METC’s Ba-sic Medical Technician Corpsman Pro-gram (BMTCP) competed against eight other teams from U.S. military instal-lations all over the United States and Germany. This is the sixth consecutive year for the competition.

Staff Sgt. Robert Rangel, Tech. Sgt. Dahlia Gonzalez, Staff Sgt. Brett Wolfe, Hospital Corpsman First Class Luis Ro-driguez, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jeffery Leemauk were the overall fi rst place winners in the competition.

“Taking fi rst place in a competition where the best medics and corpsman were sent to compete from all over the United States and abroad means a lot to the caliber of personnel we are sur-rounded by on a daily basis here at METC,” said Leemauk. “I am proud to

be able to say today that we were not only champions of the 6th Annual EMT Rodeo, but proof that positive steps are being made to an overall integrated medical community.”

Added Rodriguez, “The BMTCP team consisted of volunteers that just happen to be some of the fi nest corpsmen and

medical technicians the command has to offer.”

The teams tested their skills and knowledge with such events as the wa-ter rescue competition, a new event to the Rodeo this year in which the com-petitors had to extract a patient from the water using a long spine board, carry the patient by litter to land, and then resuscitate the patient. Another new event was the commando chal-lenge, one of the most diffi cult in the competition, which tested the teams’ ability to carry a litter through an ob-stacle course and low-crawl through mud.

“During the competition, I felt like I had to put into practice everything that I mentor my airmen and sailors to do on a daily basis. I also felt compelled to give it my best because I was repre-senting everyone here at METC,” said Gonzalez.

“This year our team had over 40 years of knowledge and forward de-ployed medical experience (combined),” said Rangel, the team’s coach.

“We went, we saw, we adapted, we won. After all that’s what we do here at BMTCP. We create the fi nest medics, corpsmen and techs.”

METC bi-service team wins AF EMT competition

Photos by Airman 1st Class Xavier LockleyThe emergency medical team from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, rescues a dummy as part of the water extraction challenge during the Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21. The EMT Rodeo is a competition in which EMT teams from across the United States and Germany test their skills in various events that simulate real life scenarios.

The team from the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Anto-nio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, placed fi rst at the 2012 Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo held Sept. 21 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Team members include, from left to right, Tech. Sgt. Dahlia Gonzalez, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jeffery Leemauk, Staff Sgt. Robert Rangel, Staff Sgt. Brett Wolfe, Hospital Corpsman First Class Luis Rodriguez.

October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 3newsFREE TOPS IN BLUE TICKETS

Tickets are available to a free Tops in Blue show Nov. 4, 4 p.m., at Laurie Auditorium on the campus of Trinity University. Seating is on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, but patrons must have a ticket to get in.

Tickets are available at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Information, Tickets and Travel Offi ce, Bldg. 5506; the Randolph Community Services Mall, Bldg. 895; or the Fort Sam Houston Community Center.

FEDERAL BENEFITS OPEN SEASON

Federal benefi ts open season for Air Force civilian employees is Nov. 12 through Dec. 10. The Lackland Federal Employees Health Benefi ts Fair is Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mitchell Hall. Employees will have an opportunity, to meet representatives from different health carriers.

For more information, contact Donna Leeth, 802nd Force Support Squadron, at 210-671-0005.

CAM COMBAT BREAKFAST

The Alamo Chapter Air Force Associa-tion, Air Force Recruiting Service andthe San Antonio Chamber of Commerce will host the Celebrate America’s Military Combat Breakfast Nov. 7, 7 a.m., at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s Kendrick Enlisted Club.

Maj. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander, 24th Air Force at JBSA-Lackland, will be the guest speaker for the breakfast.

Dress is Army Combat Uniform or Air-man Battle Uniform for service members, and business attire for civilians.

For more information, contact Staff Sgt. April Sablo at 210-565-0567.

FREE VETERANS DAY CONCERT

The United States Air Force Band of the West and the San Antonio Symphony will join forces again for their annual free Veterans Day concert Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at the Majestic Theater in downtown San Antonio.

Tickets can be picked up at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Information, Tickets and Travel Offi ce, the Randolph ITT offi ce, the Fort Sam Houston Morale, Welfare and Recreation offi ce, the SA Symphony box offi ce, the Majestic Theater box offi ce or the Fiesta Commission store.

NEWS IN BRIEF

By Lisa BraunMedical Education & Training Campus Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Air Force and Navy instructors with the Medical Ed-ucation and Training Campus (METC) were overall winners in the 2012 Emer-gency Medical Technician (EMT) Rodeo held Sept. 22 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

Five EMT instructors for METC’s Ba-sic Medical Technician Corpsman Pro-gram (BMTCP) competed against eight other teams from U.S. military instal-lations all over the United States and Germany. This is the sixth consecutive year for the competition.

Staff Sgt. Robert Rangel, Tech. Sgt. Dahlia Gonzalez, Staff Sgt. Brett Wolfe, Hospital Corpsman First Class Luis Ro-driguez, and Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jeffery Leemauk were the overall fi rst place winners in the competition.

“Taking fi rst place in a competition where the best medics and corpsman were sent to compete from all over the United States and abroad means a lot to the caliber of personnel we are sur-rounded by on a daily basis here at METC,” said Leemauk. “I am proud to

be able to say today that we were not only champions of the 6th Annual EMT Rodeo, but proof that positive steps are being made to an overall integrated medical community.”

Added Rodriguez, “The BMTCP team consisted of volunteers that just happen to be some of the fi nest corpsmen and

medical technicians the command has to offer.”

The teams tested their skills and knowledge with such events as the wa-ter rescue competition, a new event to the Rodeo this year in which the com-petitors had to extract a patient from the water using a long spine board, carry the patient by litter to land, and then resuscitate the patient. Another new event was the commando chal-lenge, one of the most diffi cult in the competition, which tested the teams’ ability to carry a litter through an ob-stacle course and low-crawl through mud.

“During the competition, I felt like I had to put into practice everything that I mentor my airmen and sailors to do on a daily basis. I also felt compelled to give it my best because I was repre-senting everyone here at METC,” said Gonzalez.

“This year our team had over 40 years of knowledge and forward de-ployed medical experience (combined),” said Rangel, the team’s coach.

“We went, we saw, we adapted, we won. After all that’s what we do here at BMTCP. We create the fi nest medics, corpsmen and techs.”

METC bi-service team wins AF EMT competition

Photos by Airman 1st Class Xavier LockleyThe emergency medical team from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, rescues a dummy as part of the water extraction challenge during the Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Sept. 21. The EMT Rodeo is a competition in which EMT teams from across the United States and Germany test their skills in various events that simulate real life scenarios.

The team from the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Anto-nio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, placed fi rst at the 2012 Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo held Sept. 21 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Team members include, from left to right, Tech. Sgt. Dahlia Gonzalez, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jeffery Leemauk, Staff Sgt. Robert Rangel, Staff Sgt. Brett Wolfe, Hospital Corpsman First Class Luis Rodriguez.

October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 5

For water restrictions, visit www.jbsa.af.mil

Edwards Aquifer Levelin feet above sea level

STAGE II CURRENT

LEVEL

645.4'

Normal - above 660’Stage I - 660’Stage II - 650’Stage III - 642’Stage IV - 640.5’Stage V - 637’

TALESPINNER October 26, 2012

San Antonio celebrates America’s Armed ForcesCelebrate America’s Military is an

annual series of events honoring the active-duty military, the Guard and Reserve, wounded warriors and vet-erans for their service to the nation.

Nov. 1CAM Kickoff Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. reg-

istration, noon lunch. Guest speaker is Robin Lineberger, CEO, Deloitte Federal Government Services; San Antonio Exposition Hall, Free-man Coliseum; members: $40 per individual, $450 for a table of eight; nonmembers: $50 per individual, $550 for a table of eight. Registra-tion is required.

Senior NCO Salute – 5:30–7:30 p.m. Cham-ber reception, San Antonio Botanical Garden. Performance by the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own.” The event is free and open to the public.

Nov. 2Association of the U.S. Army Luncheon –

11:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Arthur Emerson, Texas Military Preparedness Commissioner, Sam Houston Community Center.

Nov. 3Saluting America’s Heroes – 2:30–8:30

p.m., Texas A&M University-San Antonio Main Campus. Displays, exhibits, military enlistment ceremony, benefi ts fair and more.

San Antonio Spurs CAM Game Night – 7:30 p.m., AT&T Center. Opponent is the Utah Jazz. Game ticket required.

Nov. 4Tops in Blue Concert – 4 p.m., Laurie Au-

ditorium, Trinity University. Event is free and open to the public.

Concert at the Quadrangle – 5 p.m., Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Quad-rangle, 1400 E. Grayson St., with the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own.” The Grayson Street pedestrian gate will be open at 3:30 p.m. Event is free and open to the public.

SeaWorld Military Family Day – During regular park hours.

Nov. 5CAM Birdies for the Brave Golf Tourna-

ment – 9:30 a.m. registration and noon shot-gun start at TPC San Antonio, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway.

Nov. 6Employer Support for Guard & Reserve

“Salute to Employers Awards Luncheon” – Noon at Doubletree Hotel Downtown, 502 West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. The guest speaker is Brig. Gen. Kirk Vollmecke, commander of the Mission and Installation Contracting Com-mand.

Nov. 7Air Force Association Combat Breakfast –

7 p.m., Kendrick’s Enlisted Club at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Guest speaker is Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, commander of 24th Air Force.

Welcome Home, Vietnam Vets – 4 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston Staff Post Parade Field with Vietnam Veteran reception following at the Quadrangle. Open to the public.

Nov. 8Spirit of America Dinner – 6:15 p.m. cock-

tails and 7 p.m. dinner at Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market St. Guest speaker is Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. North-ern Command. By invitation only. Online reg-istration required at www.CelebrateAmericas-Military.com or call 210-229-2119.

Nov. 9Salute to Fisher House Gala – 6 p.m. cock-

tails and 7:30 p.m. dinner and program at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway. Registration is required. Call 240-559-2470 for information.

Nov. 10Veterans Parade and Wreath-Laying Cer-

emony – 10:30 a.m. ceremony and parade at noon at Alamo Plaza. Open to the public.

UTSA Military Day Football Game – 4 p.m. at Alamodome, 100 Montana St. The NCAA football game features the UTSA Roadrunners hosting the McNeese State Cowboys. Ticket purchase required. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 11San Antonio Rock n’ roll Full, Half, and

Mini Marathons – 7:30 a.m. start time in downtown San Antonio near the intersection of South Alamo Street and East Market Street. There is a $15 registration discount for military members who use the code MILITARY2012. For more information, visit the website at http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-antonio.

Veterans Day Ceremonies – a 9:30 a.m. musical prelude is followed by a 10 a.m. pro-gram at the Fort Sam Houston National Cem-etery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road. The event is open to the public.

Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Commemo-rative Ceremony – 1:30 p.m. at the San An-tonio National Cemetery, 517 Paso Hondo St. The event is open to the public.

Veterans Day Concert ‘Salute to Service’ – 7 p.m. at the historic Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston Street, with the San Antonio Sym-phony and Air Force Band of the West. Open to the public.

Photo by Robbin CresswellAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III presents the Distinguished Fly-ing Cross with Valor to Tech. Sgt. Heath W. Culbertson during the Air Force Basic Military Training graduation ceremony Oct. 19 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lack-land. Culbertson, now an instructor fl ight engineer assigned to the 344th Training Squadron’s Career Enlisted Aviator Cen-ter of Excellence, was recognized for his actions during a mission to rescue two downed Army pilots in the mountains of Kapisa province, Afghanistan, April 23, 2011. While taking fi re, Culbertson, a fl ight engineer aboard one of two HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, identifi ed the enemy’s position and returned fi re. Culbertson and his team overcame a hoist emergency caused by enemy fi re and ex-tracted the downed Army pilots and crew. In the end, the mission saved two Army Soldiers and recovered another from the battlefi eld.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS WITH VALOR

Ph


Congratulations to the fol-lowing 79 Airmen selected as honor graduates among the 781 Air Force basic military trainees graduating today:

320th Training Squadron Flight 667Nicholas BascianoKevin ByrneRyan CarelDavid CulbertsonFranklin EasonAlexander FishbaughSterling LawJustin McDanielDerrick McKiernanCameron RupertTrevor SchreckengostRobert WolfeMichael Yadron Flight 668Angela CookJamie ValentineCherae Wilson

321st Training Squadron Flight 673

Nicholas Barrie

Matthew DobbinsZachery MeehanDevin PataneKyle Porter Flight 674Justin ColeAlexander DicksonNick DodgionMichael MuhonenRandolph MurphyJoshua RossonKalin Smith

322nd Training Squadron Flight 671Joel CampbellWilliam Ferris IIIZachary NicholsIan PedlowMichael PostonArthur SebbyJames SelbyAndrew SprankleMichael StudleyPreston Webb Flight 672Brittain CrolleyChristopher HiseyMauricio Parga

Kevin PrinceJames SchlupNicholas ScottJoshua VaughtChase Weltmer

323rd Training Squadron Flight 677Richard DechantCody LewisJoshua PenceErik RienerAlbert RodriguezScott WalkerAlden Westerdale Flight 678Nicholas BurrowLuke ChvalaJohn KonczeskiRyan Morris

324th Training Squadron Flight 665Ryan AllersDominick AmariZane EschLucas JacksonSteven MillerBrian Quintanilla

Kenneth ShippDave SmithGeoffrey Wheaton Flight 666Sarah EbyTanesia Woody

326th Training Squadron Flight 675Gregory JonesBrian NasutaJonathon Wurz Flight 676Heather DuffDiane ParkKelli Zeitler

331st Training Squadron Flight 669Mark EdwardsRoddy Looper Flight 670Braxton CrismoreTanner LinkChristopher Spinks

Top BMT AirmanJames Selby, 322nd TRS, Flight 671

Most Physically Fit Male AirmenChristian Watson, 324th TRS, Flight 665Nigel Mosley, 331st TRS, Flight 670Adam Cardoza, 323rd TRS, Flight 678 Female AirmenDorothy Knox, 320th TRS, Flight 668Patricia Vincenty, 326th TRS, Flight 676Cherae Wilson, 320th TRS, Flight 668 Male Flights323rd TRS, Flight 677324th TRS, Flight 665323rd TRS, Flight 678 Female Flights324th TRS, Flight 666326th TRS, Flight 676320th TRS, Flight 668

Top Academic Flights320th TRS, Flight 667321st TRS, Flight 674322nd TRS, Flight 671322nd TRS, Flight 672


Contest displays MTI's femininityBy Mike JosephSenior Writer

At the 322nd Training Squadron, she’s a master Military Training Instructor. Away from the squadron, she’s the mother of a 1½-year-old little boy.

At work, she’s disciplined, and tough, and her voice can be heard loud and clear from one end of the drill pad to the other. At home, she lets her long hair fl ow, drives a pickup truck while jamming to country music, and loves Latin dances.

The contrasting personalities pulled at Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller when she opened an email last spring about entering the Ms. Veteran America contest. The MTI in her thought, “Nah, it sounds kind of silly.” But instead of hitting de-lete, the competitive side thought, “Let me think about this.” The competitive side won out, making Miller among the more than 200 women to enter the inau-gural Ms. Veteran America competition. She ended up being one of 40 from the fi ve service branches who competed earlier this month in the Ms. Vet-eran America contest at Pentagon City, Va., after advancing from regional competition.

Founded by Final Salute, which fi ghts home-lessness among female veterans, the women competed in evening wear, talent, interview and military history. It gave competitors a chance to regain their femininity, which is of-ten camoufl aged during military service.

Miller fi nished in the top 10, and also won the Above and Beyond Award. The award was

given to a contestant for signifi cant military achieve-ment.

“It was the most military award you could win,” she said. “It meant so much to me. Winning that award made competing worthwhile.”

But one word nearly kept Miller from entering after reading the initial Ms. Veteran America email.

“‘Pageant’ was the word that almost put me off,” she said. “I thought about it a few days, looked at the email again, and then decided I’d fi nd out more information.

“I found the competition was about showcasing the woman behind the uniform,” she added, “how even a strong female person in the military could have a feminine side.”

Once the Iowa native made up her mind to enter, she was all in.

Miller registered for regional competition in Austin; however it was canceled and opened to

See CONTEST, PG15

Competing for Ms. Veteran America

Photo by Duncan Boggs Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller, master Military Training Instructor, gives commands to a fl ight of trainees.

TALESPINNER October 26, 2012 October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 13


The Woman Beyond the Uniform

mail-in videos. Included in her regional video package was a Latin dance as her talent, original paintings and photography.

“I wanted to show them I have several talents,” she said.

Surprised to be among the top 50 from around the United States who were invited to compete in Pentagon City, she had to change her talent portion of the contest from dancing to singing three weeks before the trip

when her dance partner couldn’t attend.Between instructing a fl ight of trainees and her

home life, Miller’s only time to practice the song “Never Alone” by Lady Antebellum was to and from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Any other spare time was spent studying military history.

“It was a 15-minute commute, so I could sing it three times to work and three times home,” she said. “That was pretty much the only time I had.”

Miller said the contest was a positive experience. It was a chance to dress up, meet women from other

service branches, and help raise awareness and money for Final Salute.

It was also an opportunity for Miller to show another side of her personality certainly not seen around the 322nd TRS, where she’s a disciplined teacher, mentor and trainer.

“I’m very outgoing and a jokester,” she said, which is the complete opposite of her role as the most seasoned instructor in the squadron. “But I am dedicated to be-ing an NCO and doing what is required to turn young men and women into quality warrior Airmen.”

CONTEST from PG10

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller began recording her Ms. Veteran America competition experiences prior to the inaugural contest for woman military service members held Oct. 6-7 at the Penta-gon City Ritz-Carlton in Arlington, Va.

From Sept. 29 through Oct. 7, Miller details, in her own words, “The Woman Beyond the Uniform” competition.

Seven Days BeforeAs I study in my offi ce, Iʼm hit with an overwhelming rush of emo-

tions. Iʼm starting to get very nervous. Will I say the right thing? Will it make sense? Will I stutter over my answers? How will my voice sound in the room?

Iʼm just wondering if a small-town Iowa girl has what it takes to be a national fi gure to represent all fi ve service branches.

Five Days BeforeIʼm fl uttering around like a crazy woman this morning. Getting my

last-minute donations for Final Salute (the competition sponsor) squared away, then tallied and deposited into the bank so I can mail the check.

Iʼve been watching one of the other contestants through Facebook. I always thought she was very similar to me. I fi nally struck up a conversa-tion with her last night on Facebook. She seems pretty interesting and a lot like me. Itʼs been nice to fi nd camaraderie with another contestant going through the same emotions.

Other than packing and getting to the airport, itʼs really getting down to the wire!

Three Days BeforeI donʼt have time to think about it today. I wrapped up what I had to

do here, making sure I turned over the training fl ight to the people that were going to lead them at graduation Friday. It was go, go, go, making sure things were squared away.

I went to Col. Palmerʼs going away (Col. Glenn Palmer, former 737th Training Group commander). After I got home, it was jump back into the mode. I had to fi nish packing. When Iʼm packing, I get into this weird mode: Donʼt talk to me because Iʼm so focused on what Iʼm doing.

Two Days BeforeThis morning came early. Our plane

left San Antonio International Airport at 5:30 a.m., so we left the house at 4. We (Miller, her son and her boyfriend) got into Baltimore about 11 a.m.

We left two days before the competi-tion because I wanted a travel day and then another day to relax, a down day. I also didnʼt want any surprises, so it

left room for error like missed luggage. We were staying with relatives in Martinsburg, W.Va., about two hours

away from Arlington. We relaxed — it was nice. One Day Before

It was kind of a diva day — hair salon and mall, making sure I was good to go.

We ate at an Italian restaurant with relatives. It turns out our waiter was prior Air Force. He didnʼt believe we were training instructors because he said we looked and acted so normal. We talked at length and shared stories. He joined a couple of months before I did. I know his training instructor; she works across the street from me. Itʼs really neat how small the Air Force is. It helped relax me.

Competition Day PreliminariesI woke up at 4 this morning to get ready. Reality began to hit me like

a brick wall as I was fl at ironing my hair. On the drive to Arlington, it kept building and building.

We got to Arlington about 8. Nothing went as scheduled, nothing fell in the timeline. Iʼm a very structured timeline person and I kept telling myself, “itʼs okay, itʼs okay, itʼs the fi rst one.” I kept calm and moved on.

In line for my interview, I was jittery as all get out! Studying, listening to music, trying to calm down as the hustle and bustle goes on around me. Iʼm sitting in my blue jeans and cowboy boots on the fl oor, Indian style, while several women in dresses sit poised in folding chairs. I really am a small-town girl. Itʼs very overwhelming, lots of different personali-ties. Iʼm about ready to make myself sick.

In the interview, there were 10 questions and fi ve minutes to answer all 10. I know I had a good two minutes left over. This was one time talking fast helped me. The questions ranged from personal to the prize

money to where women have gone in military history. One of the interview judges was an Army sergeant major. Her pres-

ence and demeanor made me stand up a little straighter. I got her to nod an approval on an answer to one of my fi rst questions and once she did that, I just relaxed.

As soon as I started singing, one of the judges, Iʼll never forget the look on one of the judgesʼ faces. Iʼm thinking, “Iʼm doing really good or really bad.” Then I started noticing other judgesʼ faces and one was crying.

I was confi dent I had rocked the singing and the interview. I kept telling myself Iʼd be content to get into the top 10, which was my goal from the beginning.

Competition Day FinalsWe had our practice this morning. My small-town charm came through

as I practiced in Iowa Hawkeye sweats, yellow thermal top, and my sparkly heels. The other women were in their makeup and dresses.

Weʼre running late for the fi nals. When I ran in to change at the hotel, it felt like a NASCAR pit stop. Then, right before I came out, the song “Redneck Woman” started playing. I took it as a good sign.

The butterfl ies in my stomach are like diver bombers as we wait for the top 10 results. I feel confi dent about my interview and performance yesterday.

Top 10!!!!! I made the Top 10!Thank goodness they announced my name fi rst so I didnʼt have to

wait nine times. After they called my name, I didnʼt hear the rest. I didnʼt know what was going on.

I didnʼt sing as well as I wanted in the fi nals. It was like I had been sucker punched because I was so nervous. I knew the others in the top 10

were phenomenal. After I sang, I knew what was done was done, nothing more I could do about it.

The judges deliberated forever. I guess they couldnʼt decide on the top three. After they announced the top three, I didnʼt get defl ated. I looked at who was chosen, and I thought, “Iʼm good with that.”

I won the Above and Beyond Award for signifi cant military achievement. To be recognized for signifi cant military achievement meant so much to me. It was the most military award you could win at the competition and that made it worth competing.

Courtesy photo by Joey Darley, Joey Smiles Photography

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller walks the runway in her eve-ning gown.

Courtesy photoProgram photo of Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller.

Courtesy photo by Joey Darley, Joey Smiles Photography

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Miller, right, waits for her interview at the Ms. Veteran America contest with fellow contes-tant Leala McCollum of the Army National Guard, Ar-lington, Va.

CoCouCouC rtertesysyy pphop tooo

f

CouCoCoCo rtesssy phototototo by JoJoeJoJoey Dy Dy Dy Darley

wkn

fffdtdw“

AasCourtesy photo by Joey Darley


Junior Enlisted MemberAirman 1st Class Eric Kay

802nd Contracting Squadron

Noncommissioned Offi cerTech. Sgt. James Gemes

802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Senior Enlisted MemberMaster Sgt. James Wooding

802nd Security Forces Squadron

Company Grade Offi cerCapt. Kurt Mabis

802nd Judge Advocate

Civilian Wage GradeJoseph Thompson

802nd Communications Squadron

Civilian Non-Supervisory Cat IJeri Carroll

802nd Force Support Squadron

Civilian Non-Supervisory Cat IISamuel Klein

802nd Civil Engineer Squadron

Civilian Non-Supervisory Cat IIILuis Rivero


Civilian Supervisory Cat IDonald Hoyt


Civilian Supervisory Cat IIElaine Dean


Want to share your personal experiences

in the military with others?The Lackland

Speakers’ Bureau wants YOU!

Call 210-671-5066 or 210-671-2908 for more details.

Love your job

in the Air Force?

October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 17community

502ND ABW CEREMONIES

The 502nd Air Base Wing enlisted promotion and third quarter award ceremonies are Wednesday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m., at the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Commu-nity Center.

EID AL-ADHA OBSERVANCE

The Muslim Eid Al-Adha prayer and celebration observance is either today or Saturday, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Global Ministry Center, Bldg. 7452.

The program includes congre-gational prayer, sermon, fellowship and entertainment. The religious and cultural event is open to the base.

For additional information, call Chap. (Capt.) Sharior Rahman at 210-671-2941.

FREEDOM CHAPEL FALL HARVEST FEST

The Freedom Chapel Fall Harvest Fest, a Halloween alternative, is Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.

The event is open to families and children with games, prizes, face painting, balloons, a petting zoo and candy.

For additional information, call 210-671-4208.

JBSA-LACKLAND TRICK OR TREATING

Halloween trick or treating in Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland family housing is Wednesday, 6-8:30 p.m.

The Pumpkin Patrol will be on the streets that evening during trick or treat hours.

For additional information, con-tact 210-674-9366.

FLEA MARKET AT WARHAWK

A fl ea market is Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Warhawk Fitness Center parking lot.

Vendor spots are available for $10 or $15 with a table.

For additional information, call the Skylark Community Center at 210-671-2021.

CCAF RECOGNITION CEREMONY

A diploma recognition ceremony for the newest Joint Base San An-tonio Community College of the Air Force graduates is Nov. 8, 2 p.m., at the Bob Hope Theater.

Graduates who have received diplomas or certifi cates from other colleges will also be recognized.

For additional information, con-tact Senior Master Sgt. John Jacob at 210-292-5451.

QUARTERLY COMMUNITY YARD SALE

The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Family Housing quarterly community-wide yard sale is Dec. 1, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

There is no sign up for the event, and housing residents may set up at their individual homes.

For additional information, email Claudia Moreno at CMoreno@bbcgrp or call 210-674-9366.

802ND LRS SUPPLY TRAINING

The 802nd Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Equipment Accountability Element conducts three customer supply training classes on the third Wednesday of each month in the second fl oor conference room of Bldg. 5160.

The classes and start times are Block I General Supply Training at 8 a.m., Block II Bench Stock Training at 8:45 a.m., and Block III Equip-ment Custodian Supplemental/Refresher Training at 9:30 a.m.

For additional information, call Ray Holland or Rain Virgino at 210-925-1140/2514.

HAWC TOBACCO CESSATION CLASSES

The Health and Wellness Center offers free tobacco cessation classes for Department of Defense health care benefi ciaries the fi rst Tuesday of every month in Bldg. 2513 at 3 p.m.

The classes offer proven methods for quitting, and combine brief counseling with medications.

The classes run for four consecu-tive weeks.

For details, call Shannon Jones at 210-925-6301.

PET CONSULT SERVICES AVAILABLE

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Veterinary Treatment Facility now provides animal behavior consult services for privately-owned pets.

The VTF’s fi rst board-certifi ed military animal behavior resident is now scheduling appointments. The Army resident can assist pet own-ers with understanding their pet’s behavior, and preventing, managing, or resolving pet behavioral problems. Common problems may include ag-gression, fear, anxiety, hyperactivity, inappropriate elimination, and tail chasing.

For more details or to schedule an appointment, call the JBSA-Lackland

VTF at 210-671-3631/2245.

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE AT WHASC

The fl u vaccine is available at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Immunizations Clinic for active-duty personnel. Active-duty members are required to receive the vaccine by Nov. 21.

Flu shots are also available to all Department of Defense benefi ciaries at the WHASC atrium. Flu shots will be administered Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and active-duty members will have prior-ity. Patients with booked appoint-ments may receive the vaccine from their primary care manager.

The immunizations clinic’s Mobile Flu Unit will also administer the vaccine at active-duty job loca-tions across the base. Dates, times and locations are forthcoming. For additonal information, call 210-292-4278.

RETIRED ENLISTED MEETING

Retired Enlisted Association, Chapter 80, meetings are held at the Gateway Club every fourth Wednes-day of the month at 1 p.m.


LOCAL BRIEFS

CHAPEL SERVICES

Air Force Aid Society 671-3722Airman & Family Readiness Center 671-3722Airman’s Attic 671-1780Base Post Offi ce 671-1058Bowling Center 671-2271DEERS 800-538-9552Exceptional Family Member Program 671-3722Family Child Care 671-3376Legal Offi ce 671-3362Library 671-3610Medical Appointment Line 916-9900MPF ID Cards 671-6006Outdoor Recreation 925-5532TRICARE Info 800-444-5445Thrift Shop 671-3608

Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club www.lacklandesc.orgLackland Force Support Squadron www.lacklandfss.comLackland ISD www.lacklandisd.netLackland Offi cers’ Spouses’ Club www.lacklandosc.orgLackland Public website www.jbsa.af.milMy Air Force Life www.MyAirForceLife.com

KEY FAMILY SUPPORT RESOURCES

For more details, contact Freedom Chapel - 671-4208 • Gateway Chapel - 671-2911 • Hope Chapel - 671-2941

ChristianCatholicMonday-Friday:Freedom ChapelDaily Eucharist, 11:30 a.m.Saturday:Freedom ChapelEucharist, 5:30 p.m.Reconciliation after EucharistSunday:Freedom ChapelReligious Ed., 9 a.m.Eucharist, 11 a.m.

OrthodoxReader's ServiceSunday:Airmen Memorial Chapel (Classroom)8 a.m.–10 a.m.

ProtestantSaturday:Gateway ChapelSeventh-Day AdventistService, 12:30–2:30 p.m.

Sunday:Airmen Memorial ChapelLiturgical Service, 8 a.m.Freedom ChapelContemporary Service,9:30 a.m.Gospel Service,12:30 p.m.Children’s Church providedReligious Ed., 11 a.m.Wednesday and Thursday:Bible Study, 6 p.m.Protestant family Sunday school, a one-hour youth and adult Christian Bible study, every Sunday at Freedom Chapel, 11 a.m. For details-contact Freedom Chapel at 671-4208. Sunday:Hope ChapelThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 8–10 a.m.

IslamicFriday:

Global Ministry Center, Bldg. 7452Jummah Prayer, 1:15–2:15 p.m.Sunday:Religious Ed., 9–11 a.m.

JewishFriday:Airmen Memorial ChapelSabbath Eve Service, 4 p.m.Sunday:Religious Ed., 12:30 p.m.

Wicca1st Tuesday of each month: Freedom Chapel Room 8, San Antonio Military Open Circle, 6 p.m.Sunday:Arnold Hall, Bldg. 550612:30–2:30 p.m.

BuddhistSunday:BMT Reception Center Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor

10 a.m. to noon.

EckankarEvery fi rst, third, fi fth Saturday:Gateway Chapel12:30–1:30 p.m.

Baha'iEvery fi rst, third, fi fth Sunday:Gateway Chapel11 a.m. to noon

Church of ChristSunday:BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246, 2nd Floor7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Christian ScienceSunday:BMT Processing Center, Bldg. 5725, 1st Floor7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.


OCT. 26BMT FAMILY SEMINAR

The Air Force Basic Military Training Family Seminar is today at noon in the BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246.

The seminar provides information on the Air Force and its benefi ts to family members of graduating Airmen.

For additonal details, call 210-671-3722.

OCT. 29FAMILY READINESS BRIEFING

A mandatory family readiness briefi ng for personnel who are deploy-ing is Monday, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The briefi ng is for personnel who are deploying longer than 30 days, or who are going on remote assignments.


RETURN, REUNION SEMINAR

A return and reunion seminar is Monday, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at the Air-man and Family Readiness Center.

The seminar is an informal forum for family members who wish to talk about their individual experiences and the stress caused by deployment-related separations.

For details, call 210-671-3722.

OCT. 30AMVET REPRESENTATIVE

An American Veterans national service offi cer is available by ap-pointment only to help with disability claims Tuesday, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

To schedule an appointment, call 210-699-5087.

OCT. 30�NOV. 1TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A three-day transition assistance

program for separating or retiring military personnel is Tuesday through Thursday, 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at the Airman and Family Readi-ness Center.

The job seminar, taught by the Texas Workforce Commission, focuses on employment-related topics.

Pre-separation briefi ng atten-

dance and a completed Department of Defense Form 2648 are prerequi-sites for the seminar.


OCT. 31AWANA CLUBS MEETING

Awana Clubs, a Bible-based

children and youth ministry offering games and challenges, meets Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., at Freedom Chapel.

For additional information about Awana Clubs, contact Freedom Chapel at 210-671-4208.

NOV. 1FREEDOM CHAPEL STUDY GROUP

A women’s Bible study group meets Thursday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel.

For additional information on the Freedom Chapel Study Group, call 210-671-4208.

NOV. 2BMT FAMILY SEMINAR

The Air Force Basic Military Training Family Seminar is Nov. 2 at noon in the BMT Reception Center, Bldg. 7246.

The seminar provides information on the Air Force and its benefi ts to family members of graduating Airmen.

For additional information on the BMT Family Seminar, call 210-671-3722.

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP

A “How to Start a Small Busi-ness” workshop is Nov. 2, 1-4 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Among the topics for discussion taught by the Small Business Development Center are writing an effective business plan, doing market research, selecting a location and time management.

For additional information on the workshop or class enrollment, call 210-671-3722.

COUPON SAVERS MEETING

The Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Scissor Savers coupon group will meet Nov. 2, 1-3 p.m., at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

For additional information, email [email protected].

Monthly Meetings

ENLISTED SPOUSES’ CLUB

The Lackland Enlisted Spouses’ Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at the Balfour Beatty Community Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.lacklandesc.org.

OFFICERS’ SPOUSES’ CLUB

The Lackland Offi cers’ Spouses’ Club meets monthly. For dates and times, or more information, visit www.lacklandosc.org.

MILITARY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The Military Council of Catholic Women meets the fi rst Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m., at Freedom Chapel. For information, call 210-671-4208.

On the web www.lacklandfss.com

What’s HappeningFamily Support Events

October 26, 2012 TALESPINNER PAGE 19sports

By Jose T. Garza IIISports Editor

Vying for a spot on the All-Air Force basketball team, guard/forward Joseph Easley said he won’t feel the pressure of performing in front of his family, friends, and fellow Airmen during the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland’s Chaparral Fitness Center.

After being a member of the All-Air Force basket-ball team that won its sixth consecutive gold medal at last year’s Armed Forces tourney, Easley knows this year’s weeklong tournament is another opportunity for him to rise to the occasion. He hopes to help his team continue on the tradition of winning gold med-als. The Air Force has won the tourney every year since 2006.

“I love the game of basketball too much to be ner-

vous,” Easley said. “My family and friends know that I’m aggressive on the court.

“We want to keep the winning tradition alive. We just have to execute our plays, stay focused, and be dominant on offense and defense.”

Assigned to the 737th Training Support Squadron here, the senior airman hopes to make the fi nal 12-man roster once more, and help the team win its seventh straight gold medal at the all-services tourney Nov. 4-12.

Easley can make the fi nal cut if he keeps working on his offensive game. His coaches said he needed to work on his shooting stroke and on being a better threat in the paint.

“I want to progress and not regress,” Easley said while working on his shooting stroke after practice.

The 6-foot-4 guard from Austin, Texas, said he can bring a versatile mix of speed and aggression to

the Air Force team, while comparing himself to NBA guard Russell Westbrook because “we are both very competitive, don’t take no for an answer, and play like big men.

“I can bring a strong motor, and I can get up and down the court aggressively on offense and defense,” Easley said. “I can drive to the paint, shoot, and jump real high.

“I’m just here to do whatever the coach wants me to do. Everybody has a role on this team, and if we buy into the system, we will be alright,” he added.

Easley said his role is to be a leader and help his new teammates develop team leadership qualities as well.

He is playing under the tutelage of head coach Ted Albers, a long-time coach of the All-Air Force team

Photo by Alan BoedekerGuard/forward Joseph Easley, from the 737th Training Support Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, hopes to play in front of friends, family and fellow Airmen during the Armed Forces Basketball Tournament. The tournament will be held at the Chaparral Fit-ness Center Nov. 4-12.

JBSA-Lackland Airman hopes to help continue Armed Forces tradition AF aims for 7th straight basketball title

See ARMED FORCE BASKETBALL, PG20


UPCOMINGHAUNTED HALLOWEEN 5K HUSTLE

The Bennett Fitness Center hosts a free 5K run/walk Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The event is open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders and dependents. Wearing costumes is highly encouraged. For more details, call 210-925-4848.

GRIDLOCKS GUESTS

If you wish to test your NFL knowledge against our team of prognosticators in a future edition of GRIDlocks, call Talespinner sports editor Jose T. Garza III at 210-671-0478.

KODOKAN JUDO

Kodokan Judo will be taught Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 p.m at the Chaparral Fitness Center starting Nov. 2.

Call Roy Eby at 210-671-1996 for details.

“The ‘impressive’ one-game winning streak is over for the Dallas Cowboys. Reality sets in Sunday when the New York Football Gi-ants come to town and ex-act revenge for their Week One loss to Jerry’s kids. Go Packers!”

NFL - WEEK 8 10-2 11-1 9-3 11-1 GRIDlocks GUEST

Atlanta at Philadelphia, Sun Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta

Miami at N.Y. Jets, Sun N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets N.Y. Jets

San Diego at Cleveland, Sun San Diego San Diego San Diego San Diego San Diego

Indianapolis at Tennessee, Sun Indianapolis Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Indianapolis

Washington at Pittsburgh, Sun Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pittsburgh

Jacksonville at Green Bay, Sun Green Bay Green Bay Green Bay Green Bay Green Bay

Seattle at Detroit, Sun Seattle Seattle Seattle Detroit Seattle

Carolina at Chicago, Sun Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago

New England at St. Louis, Sun New England New England New England St. Louis New England

Oakland at Kansas City, Sun Oakland Oakland Oakland Oakland Kansas City

N.Y. Giants at Dallas, Sun Dallas N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants Dallas N.Y. Giants

New Orleans at Denver, Sun New Orleans New Orleans New Orleans Denver Denver

San Francisco at Arizona, Mon San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco

OVERALL: 56-41 (.577) OVERALL: 58-39 (.598) OVERALL: 54-43 (.557) OVERALL: 55-42 (.567)

Jose T. Garza IIITalespinner Sports Editor

Joe BelaChief of Internal Communications

Dwayne ReedFitness and Sports Director

Oscar BalladaresJBSA-Lackland Public Affairs Chief

Lt. Samantha NeesDeputy Director of Public Affairs

and the Armed Forces All Stars, and assis-tant coach Tim Anderson, who is stationed at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.

Albers has coached, on and off, in mili-tary circles for more than 30 years. He has been an assistant on the Air Force basket-ball team fi ve times and nine times as a head coach since 1981. He has coached on the Armed Forces basketball team fi ve times as an assistant and 10 times as a head coach on fi ve different continents.

After taking a 15-year hiatus from coach-ing, he has been a member of the Air Force coaching staff since 2006. This year is his fi rst year back as head coach.

Albers said he and his coaching staff are preparing the Air Force basketball team, consisting of Division I players from the U.S. Air Force Academy and players from last year’s gold medal team, to be physically and mentally ready to combat the opposing branches who are eager to knock the team off its perch.

“You take individual events that occur during practice so you can use them as ob-ject lessons for what they have to do during the tournament,” Albers said. “If the team is

having a tough time focusing during prac-tice, I have to point that out and say, ‘This is exactly what happens in the tournament when you run into a tough stretch.’

“The players have to have the internal fortitude to work through that lack of focus and get back in sync. If we can get them back in sync during practice, they will have the tools to do well during the games.”

Anderson said he wanted to lend his expe-rience of being on the All-Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Academy teams to this year’s group of basketball players. Anderson’s role as defensive coordinator is to teach the basic fundamentals of defense.

“It’s all about these guys on the court,” Anderson said. “I hope they learn from their past experiences (on the court), and capi-talize on the experience of veterans on the team.

“There’s the old cliché – ‘defense wins championships.’ If we shut down the other teams, that creates offense for us and re-lieves the pressure on the offensive end so we don’t have to score every time.”

Both coaches anticipate a very competi-tive tournament as the Air Force attempts to achieve a new milestone of seven consecu-tive Armed Forces gold medals.

“If we prepare well enough in camp, we should have a good run in the tournament,” Anderson said.

“We had a great team last year, and the Marines played us to within six points dur-ing one game. We beat the Navy by one during another game, and we were down 10 points at halftime against the Army but still won that game,” Albers said. “I don’t care how good we are; these teams have a way of stepping up against us and giving us trouble.

“I wouldn’t want to play us if I were an-other team. We can beat every branch, but on any given day, they can beat us, too.”

ARMED FORCES BASKETBALL from PG19

Armed Forces BasketballAir Force Tournament Schedule

Nov. 5 - vs. Army, 7:30 p.m.Nov. 6 - vs. USMC, 5 p.m.Nov. 7 - vs. Navy, 5 p.m.

Nov. 8 - vs. Army, 7:30 p.m.Nov. 9 - vs. USMC, 5 p.m.Nov. 10 - vs. Navy, 1 p.m.

Nov. 11 - Consolation Game, 1 p.m.Nov. 11 - Championship Game, 3:30 p.m.

drill downextras.mysanantonio.com/lackland_talespinner/talespinner 102612.p… · leaders in the...

Documents